SOLAR PARK PLANS APPROVED

Plans to build a solar park at Ebbsfleet have been approved by the council’s Planning Committee.

The application was submitted to use around 12 hectares of land at Ebbsfleet Farm, a site located between the Richborough power station, the Weatherlees Hill Waste Water Works and the East Kent Access Road. The plans propose around 20,000 solar panels, laid out in approximately 60 rows, which the applicant believes could produce around four or five megawatts of electricity.

The report that went before the Planning Committee last night (Wednesday 16 March) had originally suggested that the final decision would be made by officers. This was because the council was waiting for confirmation from the airport that the solar park would pose no risk to aircraft safety. After the report was written, this confirmation was received, so the plans were duly approved by members.

Planning Application Manager Simon Thomas said: “Renewable energy is something that is heavily supported by planning policy for the benefits it brings. It’s something that Thanet is already gaining a reputation for, with the development of offshore wind farms, and now the approval of this application. The Planning Committee was very supportive of the application for a number of reasons. The site could still be used as agricultural land, even with this development. Equally, the applicant has put forward plans to enhance the site, with the creation of a wildflower field and a wildlife corridor along the Minster Stream, both of which were warmly welcomed by the committee.”